An inspired U.S.-Cuban artist exhibition called “Buoyancy” is taking place at Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) International Airport, which is the first-ever Cuban art exhibit at a United States airport. It opened on October, 5, 2015, in both Concourses E and F in MSP Terminal 1-Lindbergh. The new Airport Foundation MSP and MAC (Metropolitan Airports Commission) arts initiative will also include films and documentaries, as well as live music and performance art by local artists.
‘Buoyancy’ features work by Omar Valenti, Adrian Rumbaut and Camilo Villavilla. The term ‘Buoyancy’ refers to the spirit of the Cuban people and their ability to thrive in a difficult situation. The exhibition will also have a visual and sound installation about Cuba by The Touch of Sound, which is an online library of authentic recordings from around the world by Jesse and Jonah Marks, two brothers from Minnesota.
“In less than a year, we have witnessed the landmark cultural exchange made between The Minnesota Orchestra and Cuba. And now we are also proud to welcome the work of these outstanding Cuban artists to our airport arts programming,” said Jana Webster, executive director of the Airport Foundation MSP. “We look forward to adding our friends from Cuba to the 35 million passengers passing through MSP International each year.”
“I am always amazed at the ability of Minnesotans to connect creatively with like-minded artists around world – – even in countries like Cuba that’s been a mystery to most Americans,” adds Robyne Robinson, director of the Foundation’s program Arts @ MSP. “We’re pleased we’ve been able to collaborate with the US Cuban Artists Exchange to bring this unique cross-cultural exhibition to our traveling community.”
“Minnesota has a rich, thriving visual and performing arts community that provides a synergy for collaboration with Cubans on projects, workshops, events and performances,” explains USCAE director and co-founder Mariesa Ryan. The non-profit organization enables genuine cultural exchange between Cubans and Americans through art, education and collaboration.
“Working with Arts @ MSP to exhibit the artwork of Cuban nationals and The Touch of Sound is important – not only because of the diplomatic changes between the U.S. and Cuba, but also the growing interest in travel to Cuba for cultural exchange and education,” Ryan says. “These installations merge the USCAE mission to educate, collaborate and encourage travel and cultural exchange between Americans and Cubans in both countries.”
